Pousada Acquamare

The location made it easy to take a van to any beach or a bus to Cabo Frio, and breakfast was adequate. The inn itself was pretty average, nothing special. The air conditioning was so loud it kept me awake, though paying a little extra made things fine. Service from the staff was terrible. Walter, an Argentinian, was the only one who seemed willing to help guests.

The location is very good, but I wouldn't stay here again. The inn is clearly neglected. When we arrived, the sheets and pillows smelled overwhelmingly damp, and the decorative pillows stank too. It seemed obvious they were never changed or washed. We stayed 10 days and our sheets were never replaced; towels were changed every three days. We ran out of soap and had to keep asking for more. The air conditioning was very noisy, and there was no hairdryer despite what they claim. Breakfast wasn't very varied and didn't start until 7:30, so you miss it if your excursion starts earlier. One morning several of us had an excursion. At 7:10 all the food had already been put out, but when a woman tried to pour coffee, the maid told her she couldn't touch anything before 7:30. That was really unhelpful. The morning receptionist was rude and wouldn't even look up or say hello when greeted. Omar, on the afternoon shift, was the opposite: attentive and always ready to help. They also charge 3 reales for hot water.

I wouldn't recommend this inn. The beds and mattresses are really worn, and most of the staff weren't helpful, except for the woman on the morning shift. In the bathroom, hot water only comes from the shower, and there's no hairdryer.

The area is great, two blocks from Joao Fernandez Beach. Shuttles to the entrances of the other beaches leave from the corner, as does the bus to Arraial and Cabo Frio. The center is a little far, but it's a lovely walk to explore. In the room, the bed was especially comfortable, the bathroom was new and beautiful, and there was a refrigerator and breakfast table. Service was good, though some people weren't very clear when communicating.